Del Conca sets the pace with tiles from formula 1

Del Conca is slimming down in order to grow. Its name is “Zero,” and it's the ultra-thin, ultra-light tile by the leading Group of the ceramic industry (2008 turnover: 145 million Euro) that will debut at the Cersaie exhibition in Bologna. Zero is perfect for use in renovations, where, thanks to its slim design, it can be laid directly onto existing tiles, making it the ideal solution for floor or wall heating. The tile is available in kits with a revolutionary carbon coil heating sheath – developed out of the technology used to heat Formula 1 racecar tires. This, too, is so thin that it can be placed directly between the surface to be covered and the new surface. According to forecasts, it will bring the Group revenues of 30 million Euro in 3 years.

 

“In a sector where construction is practically at a standstill,”  explains Del Conca CEO Enzo Donald Mularoni, “renovations and home improvement are the only categories on the rise, representing 50% of the residential building market in Western countries. The solution for expanding further into a segment that is worth more than 250 million Euro in Western Europe is here: a tile only 5 millimeters thick, which does not require removal of the existing surface or the old doors and windows in order to be laid, and cuts the renovator’s costs by 50-60%. And this doesn’t even take into account the savings in time, the greater convenience and the environmental benefits arising from the lack of debris.” Moreover, savings benefits extend to the entire supply chain due to the 50% decrease in required warehouse storage space and weight to be transported.

 

The extremely reduced thickness of the stoneware, which in no way affects its quality and resistance, makes this tile an excellent thermal conductor. Hence the idea of promoting it together with a revolutionary radiant heating sheath made exclusively for Del Conca. “The carbon heating elements have the distinctive ability to give off heat immediately, as soon as electricity is run through them, with a better performance than the majority of materials traditionally used," explains Mularoni. “Placed directly beneath the tile adhesive, when required they generate a fantastic warmth underfoot. There’s no need for heaters, water or other fluids, fuel or gas. The energy needed can even be produced using solar panels, taking advantage of the tax incentives available.” Technological updates and systems adaptations were required at the production facilities in San Clemente (RN) for the development of “Zero,” an investment totaling 4 million Euro.

 

“Zero” will be launched at the Cersaie exhibition in Bologna amidst great fanfare, with a Press conference scheduled for Tuesday, September 30^th, at 11 o’clock, and the presence of world champion Antonio Cabrini at the Del Conca stands to christen the new product. The Group, in fact, is a sponsor of the Italian National Football Team, a partnership that will continue through the 2010 World Cup Championship. Cabrini will also participate in the toast to celebrate Ceramica del Conca's 30^th anniversary.